Need a Good tester for CAT5 cables

[todays]

Looking for a good tester for CAT5e cables. Needs the make sure patch cables are wired properly and cable runs inside office walls. Anyone have any good ideas. I found this one.
Cable tester

 

[Russ]

That's a good one. I have an older version of the same one.

Russ, NCNE

 

[spidey07]

microtest and fluke make very good cable testers. check it out...

microtest

 

[Russ]

Spidey,

Those are only for you rich high-level network geeks. We poor low-level geeks must make due with lesser brands.

Russ, NCNE

 

[todays]

I pride myself in doing quality installs, but... COUGH, COUGH, $5300 COUGH again. I usually do small installs, 16-48 users. lol.

I found another company that has the same part I found above but cheaper. LANtest Pro $85
I just need to make sure the wiring is working and proper. This cheap one also checks for cross-talk so that's a plus.

 

[bgovanlu]

I must add that I have used both the Microtest and the Fluke network equipment and I prefer the Fluke. However, I do agree that both are overkill for a simple cable tester.

 

[mastarecoil]

If you want a lot cost approach do what I do, take 2 keystone jacks and put some leads in them. Plug your cable in and use a multimeter to check it. Most everyone owns a multimeter so total cost is about $3.

Garrett.

 

[spidey07]

I gotcha. I was under the impression he wanted to test/certify cables. If you just want to test connectivity and pin outs then any of the models mentioned above will do fine.

BGOVANLU - I'd have to agree with you on the fluke. Much quicker and easier than the microtest.

 

[mastarecoil]

I dont know exactally what he wants either, but my method works great. You can test continuity, see if you wired it right, and test resistance(you get a good feel for what should be right).

Garrett.

 

[JackMDS]

The multi meter idea is good for few cables, but cumbersome for a lot of cables, because in each cable you have to test at least four separate wires.

It is possible for about $20 to build a little box (RadioShack Project Box), with battery and 4 LED?s.

You put on both side of the box RJ-45 (female), and you connect the LED?s so that they will light only if there is connections between the right pins.

Of course, this will test only continuity of connection.

Unfortunately I cannot draw a schematic, and post it here since no graphic allowed.

 

[CBuxton]

Just make sure you get one that has the "remote" end to it so that you don't have to have both ends of the cable to check it!

 

[CollegeGuy]

Just about anything starting with the letters F-L-U-K-E.

EDIT: Whoops, Fluke is probably overkill. I just noticed you were
looking for something simple.